BAXTER WOULD 8 TO LOSE

STEPHEN BAXTER has challenged his players to continue their recent winning streak against at The Oval.

The champions made it seven straight wins in all competitions with a 1-0 win over Larne in the County Antrim Shield semis midweek.

Stuttering for form earlier in the season, the Shore Road men are back within six points of leaders Linfield at the summit.

Baxter (above) said: “Going to the Oval is always difficult and it’s another big challenge, but we want to keep it going.

“It’s a very competitive league and very exciting. There are so many good teams and we’re enjoying it.”

With Ballymena and Linfield meeting in a top of the table clash, third placed know a win at home to would see them climb into the top two.

Gary Hamilton’s men, who lie two points off the summit with a game in hand, got back to winning ways with a 3-1 victory over Ards last Saturday.

Elsewhere, will bid to end a three game losing streak when they host

at Solitude.

The Swifts won on their last visit to the North Belfast venue 12 days ago when they beat the Reds in a penalty shootout in the quarter-finals of the League Cup.

Basement club host who made it four games unbeaten with a 2-1 win over Coleraine last

weekend.